A Cappella Part 82 - New Blood

> Just wanted to say, I haven't been able to comment on all the chapters

> you've been posting, but wow! Very good, especially the two just before

> this one. Am always reading and enjoying, even when I don't have time to

> say so.

Glad you could comment! I wrote this one and the last two as a 'trilogy' to all fit together. And don't worry about not commenting on all of them, I know I let lots of great stories slip by.

> I bet that was a shock just at first. "Wait, Anomen's bed . .

> .?"

*snicker* Of course, it being Mazzy she doesn't have to worry that she got drunk and did something she'd regret.

> Someday, some Gondsman is going to invent an automatic polisher, and

> Helm's clergy will beat a path to his door.

Well, there are everbright spells, but Amn being the way it is about obvious magic the Helmites there might not think it wise to use them.

> Darn right. Fetch this! Carry that! Exterminate the deadly beholder cult

> over yonder! We can't deal with our own traitorous brethren, but hey, as

> long as you're around, we won't have to!

Ah, the lot of the adventurer.

> It's moments like that that make me appreciate all those little details in

> ToB, like Elminster not wanting to take the party on, or the Tethyrians

> sending an entire company after us, or Sendai's guard-captain soiling

> himself at our arrival, I tell you.

Hehehe, I love that too. I think in the post-TOB portion of AC, I'm going to have Jarran come back to Athkatla and watch people scatter off the street like in the old westerns.

> *snicker* Nothing like redemption to give you the munchies, eh?

Welllll, he didn't really eat anything the night before, and he didn't have breakfast... the poor boy just realized he's hungry!

> Oh, cool twist. And very fitting. I wouldn't want to be shackled to Cor's

> legacy either, were I Anomen.

Thanks. It's one of my ideas that as far as I remember nobody has beat me to (are you listening, Luned?)

> I think this is quite possibly my favorite aspect of your Anomen, the

> emphasis on his priestly side. I know I tend to think of him (when I do at

> all, given how seldom I take him along) as knight first, priest second, so

> this is a very interesting take.

I'm glad you feel that way. While I'm not the only person to explore his priest side - for example Laufey's great Whisper stories - I thought it was something that could use some more attention.

> Heh. Are you doing the "Squire Valygar" thread too? Oops, no

> plot points, I forgot. Still, it looks like Mazzy's just gathering

> strays all over the place in this story. Another interesting take.

*grin* I haven't forgotten that, it just has to work its way in at the proper time. And you haven't seen the last of Mamma Mazzy.

> Looking forward to the next chapter.

I'm working on it.

> I have to admit that I have some plans that are inspired by one of your

> stories Silrana but it will take a while for me to get there at the rate

> I'm going.

Hey, feel free. One of the great things about this board is how one writer can inspire another. It's just that sometimes people get touchy about someone else using 'their' idea, and I just wanted to be clear that it doesn't bother me. If I can inspire someone, I'm just happy to help springboard a new story onto the board.

> Poor Ano! He has kind words for a female and all the matchmakers come out!

Not necessarily...

The characterization is, as always, top-notch. You use the interparty dynamic to wondrous effect. Gripping story this chapter. And the scene where Anomen returns after his summons was masterfully wrought (like usual).

> Anomen sat down at their table, a cheerful expression on his face. “What

> is there to eat? I find I have a tremendous appetite today.”

(Great contrast w/ what has gone b4, with the party's worries)

> .

> .

> .

> “I am afraid a change has indeed been made, my friend. That is another

> reason Sir Ryan wished to see me. The magistrate was also at the Hall, and

> had told him of my words at my father's house. ETC.

> .

> So now I am Sir Anomen Costmar.”

What a stunner! But an appropriate solution, hinted at during Anomen's Knighting tete-a-tete w/ his Oma. ("I'd rather be the Costmar b****** than the Delryn heir...except for Moira.")

This entire enlightenment passage (below) where Anomen is talking w/ Mazzy ... WOW! I can't begin to pick at or analyze it.

> “Do you remember earlier, when I left for the Order, that I told you that

> I would return as a priest if not a knight? As I walked to the Hall, I had

> a sudden revelation. I realized that last night, when I was trembling in

> fear, it was not fear of the Order's reaction, it was fear of Helm's

> judgment. I have lived my entire life in pursuit of knighthood. Every

> action, every word, was aimed at that one goal. And suddenly... it meant

> nothing! I saw this morning that my service to Helm was the one thing that

> the Order had no sway over. Just before my Test, I realized that I could

> be happy as a priest if I failed. Now I see that I can find more than

> simple happiness in the Church.”

More than simple happiness?

> “But you have been a priest for years.”

> “Ah, but even then, I became a priest because it was the only way I could

> become a squire. I said the prayers, I took part in the ceremonies, and I

> did believe in serving Helm, but it never... was a part of me. For years I

> thought that knighthood would bring me peace and contentment, but now I

> see that I had them within my reach all along. I have denied myself the

> joy of devotion, the thrill of feeling Helm's power as I cast a spell, and

> the satisfaction of knowing I have a role in life, all in pursuit of what

> I know now was a lesser goal.”

This paragraph ... wow. You articulate that which is so difficult to parse into mere words. You have a rare talent here.

> The halfling shook her head with a smile. “You need someone to watch over

> you, young one. I suppose it has to be me.”

Oh please, not a romance. At least not with her. (Not that I dislike her or anything.) Btw, will Jarran or Anomen keep the promise & introduce her to her hero soon?

I feel stupid when I try to provide feedback. You write consistently well. Even typos are rare (!). I love reading AC. I guess I could always write "ditto" for a comment and save you some time in reading my turgid & soporific critiques.

> Poor Ano! He has kind words for a female and all the matchmakers come out!

Well, you know that it is impossible for a group to adventure together without them pairing off... Unless they are male.

Yes, it is needed so that they have the added melodramatic touch of the sexual tensions between two characters - but only if it is male-female or female-female... For example: Roswell, Buffy, Angel, Xena.

Now Hercules doesn't fall under that because it was (usually) Herc and Iaolus - male-male..

(My wife was always complaining about the added homosexual referenes to Xena, just becaue it was two females. She said, with Hercules, it was possible for them to go adventuring as best friends. Why not Xena and Gabrielle?)

Sorry... It's been a while since I ranted about something, and this scene between Ano and Mazzy brought this issue back up. )

> Mazzy woke with a feeling of disorientation. Where was she? Then her

> memory returned, and she realized she was in Anomen's bed. She sat up and

> looked around.

... looking for the cameras, I'm sure. (On the cover of the Midnight Sun! Scandal! Helmite priest sleeps with halfling...)

> To her surprise, Anomen smiled broadly at her. “The Order was more than

> fair. No, what I have had on my mind... is something entirely different.

> My eyes have been opened in a way I did not think possible.”

Epiphanies can be powerful things...

> Anomen gave her a wry smile. “Well, somehow I can't see Sir Keldorn

> singing me to sleep. I will not forget last night.”

"Old Man River..."

Kel does have a rich baritone voice...

> The halfling shook her head with a smile. “You need someone to watch over

> you, young one. I suppose it has to be me.”

...now don't be late for dinner.

Good to see Ano actually cheerful, for once.

> Well, you know that it is impossible for a group to adventure together

> without them pairing off... Unless they are male.

> Yes, it is needed so that they have the added melodramatic touch of the

> sexual tensions between two characters - but only if it is male-female or

> female-female... For example: Roswell, Buffy, Angel, Xena.

> Now Hercules doesn't fall under that because it was (usually) Herc and

> Iaolus - male-male..

> (My wife was always complaining about the added homosexual referenes to

> Xena, just becaue it was two females. She said, with Hercules, it was

> possible for them to go adventuring as best friends. Why not Xena and

> Gabrielle?)

> Sorry... It's been a while since I ranted about something, and this scene

> between Ano and Mazzy brought this issue back up. )

I suppose it's because in our present culture, lesbianism isn't considered as threatening as male homosexuality. And probably because most TV shows that have that sort of thing show up are ones that are aimed at a male demographic. To most men, two women is a turn-on, two men isn't. And the reverse isn't as true... women don't generally get worked up over the idea of two men together. I know from my job that most lesbian porn is aimed at men, not at lesbian women. But I do agree that there is a natural tendency for groups that spend a lot of time together to pair off. But... the pairs aren't always the obvious ones.

Hi! It's not my place to comment, but man, a lot of your posts are knee slapping good. Howled at laughter especially about...

> ... looking for the cameras, I'm sure. (On the cover of the Midnight Sun!

> Scandal! Helmite priest sleeps with halfling...)

> Epiphanies can be powerful things...

* * *> "Old Man River..."

...YESSSS!!!!! I could see him singing that! Reckon that's when the Prelate would take him off active duty.

> Kel does have a rich baritone voice...

Watch out, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau!

Thank you for the levity. )

> The characterization is, as always, top-notch. You use the interparty

> dynamic to wondrous effect. Gripping story this chapter. And the scene

> where Anomen returns after his summons was masterfully wrought (like

> usual).

You know, I'm going to have to stop reading your comments. All this blushing is hard on my face. My friends are going to think I'm running a fever all the time!

> (Great contrast w/ what has gone b4, with the party's worries)

Anomen: Yes! I *haven't* screwed up my life!

> What a stunner! But an appropriate solution, hinted at during Anomen's

> Knighting tete-a-tete w/ his Oma. ("I'd rather be the Costmar b******

> than the Delryn heir...except for Moira.")

Thanks. And yes, that scene did make clear which family he'd rather be a part of.

> This entire enlightenment passage (below) where Anomen is talking w/ Mazzy

> ... WOW! I can't begin to pick at or analyze it.

Damn, there go the blushes again.

> More than simple happiness?

Beyond that to deep faith, which brings a more peaceful soul.

> This paragraph ... wow. You articulate that which is so difficult to parse

> into mere words. You have a rare talent here.

My face just set off the smoke alarm.

> Oh please, not a romance. At least not with her. (Not that I dislike her

> or anything.) Btw, will Jarran or Anomen keep the promise & introduce

> her to her hero soon?

LOL! A dissenter from the popular opinion! And Keldorn will wander through eventually.

> I feel stupid when I try to provide feedback. You write consistently well.

> Even typos are rare (!). I love reading AC. I guess I could always write

> "ditto" for a comment and save you some time in reading my

> turgid & soporific critiques.

Heavens, don't critique your critique! Any feedback, from a simple 'good job' to an indepth picking over is appreciated. I'm just happy that I'm providing you with entertainment. After all, that's what I do this for.

> ... looking for the cameras, I'm sure. (On the cover of the Midnight Sun!

> Scandal! Helmite priest sleeps with halfling...)

*snicker* "It was purely platonic, I swear! I never even touched... okay I did touch the hair on his head, but that's all! Really!"

> Epiphanies can be powerful things...

Very. It's good to have a new way of thinking.

> "Old Man River..."

BWAHAHA!!

> Kel does have a rich baritone voice...

Yes, he does... *Purrrrrrrr*

> ...now don't be late for dinner.

Yes, Mamma!

> Good to see Ano actually cheerful, for once.

This will help him loosen up, that's for sure.

> I suppose it's because in our present culture, lesbianism isn't considered

> as threatening as male homosexuality. And probably because most TV shows

> that have that sort of thing show up are ones that are aimed at a male

> demographic.

Not Xena. Most of the people I know who insist that they were a couple are lesbians or bi women. Mind you, the fact that the producers played it up every chance they got made it easy. There was one episode where I turned to my friend and said, "They call this lesbian *subtext?* This text is on top, doing the cha-cha!"

> To most men, two women is a turn-on, two men isn't. And the

> reverse isn't as true... women don't generally get worked up over the idea

> of two men together.

Heheheheheheh.

I used to think that was true, and that I was an anomaly. Then I started hanging out on the Harry Pottter slashfic lists.

> LOL! A dissenter from the popular opinion! And Keldorn will wander through

> eventually.

I mean, Mazzy is a wonderful character (both in the game, *and* how you flesh her out). If you choose to build a romantic relationship between Anomen and Mazzy, I'm sure it will be quite enjoyable and I will wonder that I ever had reservations about it.

It's just that sometimes it's possible to get on well and just be friends -- very good friends -- without feeling the need to convert the relationship into something else. I don't know, maybe my concerns are akin to what Mutant Mike articulated so aptly.

It will be interesting to see who, if anyone, Ano winds up with from your other foreshadowing (or what I perceive as foreshadowing).

Btw, thank you for the Keldorn cameo alert. Can't get enough of him: he's just a sweet character.

> Not Xena. Most of the people I know who insist that they were a couple are

> lesbians or bi women. Mind you, the fact that the producers played it up

> every chance they got made it easy. There was one episode where I turned

> to my friend and said, "They call this lesbian *subtext?* This text

> is on top, doing the cha-cha!"

*grin* On Xena it started as subtext, then got more obvious when the show realized it had an attention-getter.

> Heheheheheheh.

> I used to think that was true, and that I was an anomaly. Then I started

> hanging out on the Harry Pottter slashfic lists.

I said 'generally'. The sort of women who are involved in fanfic and slashfic tend to be more, ah, open to that sort of thing.

> I mean, Mazzy is a wonderful character (both in the game, *and* how you

> flesh her out). If you choose to build a romantic relationship between

> Anomen and Mazzy, I'm sure it will be quite enjoyable and I will wonder

> that I ever had reservations about it.

> It's just that sometimes it's possible to get on well and just be friends

> -- very good friends -- without feeling the need to convert the

> relationship into something else. I don't know, maybe my concerns are akin

> to what Mutant Mike articulated so aptly.

> It will be interesting to see who, if anyone, Ano winds up with from your

> other foreshadowing (or what I perceive as foreshadowing).

I agree completely. I think it is possible for a man and a woman to be good friends without it turning into a romance. And as for what sort of relationship the two of them have... well, you'll just have to wait and see. But it might surprise you. As far as Anomen winding up with someone... that's another wait and see. And that might come as a surprise, too.

> Btw, thank you for the Keldorn cameo alert. Can't get enough of him: he's

> just a sweet character.

I love him, too. He still has a future in AC, and has several good bits in the post-TOB portion.

> Hi! It's not my place to comment, but man, a lot of your posts are knee

> slapping good.

Not your place to comment?!?!?

On the contrary, it IS your place to comment... Why, look at the sign just under the one that says 'Attic'... It says 'a.k.a. Peanut Gallery'.

Glad I can provide a grin here and there... Sorry about the knee, though. A little ice will help.

> * * *> "Old Man River..."

> ...YESSSS!!!!! I could see him singing that! Reckon that's when the

> Prelate would take him off active duty.

Or, how about that Sha-Na-Na song, and he could sing the bass:

Goognight, Sweatheart!

Well, it's time to go.

> Watch out, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau!

> Thank you for the levity. )

Thank YOU for exercising your right to comment!

> Not your place to comment?!?!?

> On the contrary, it IS your place to comment... Why, look at the sign just

> under the one that says 'Attic'... It says 'a.k.a. Peanut Gallery'.

Just be careful there, you may get peanuts thrown at you in large amounts from Narri, Kali, Caella, Michelaea & Mimi for noising that title around too much. At least Arroc keeps out of the nut throwing.

> I used to think that was true, and that I was an anomaly.

Same here. Through Internet I discovered there are many other women who find two men together a turn-on (hets like me, and others).

> I suppose it's because in our present culture, lesbianism isn't considered as

> threatening as male homosexuality.

That's probably partly because for the longest time, women weren't thought or allowed to have any kind of sexuality of their own.

Now, if it gets to the point when you have to beat someone repeatedly and vehemently over the head with the fact that NO, "lesbian" does NOT mean "playin' around with other girls pinin' for a big manly stud to come and [censored] us senseless", then things can get quite ugly.

> And probably because most TV shows that have that sort of thing show up are

> ones that are aimed at a male demographic.

Except for the countless soap operas.

> And the reverse isn't as true... women don't generally get worked up over the

> idea of two men together.

Some women seem quite determined to catch up with the guys, though, as I noticed when I started lurking on various Tolkien-related forums.

(Does anyone else here read the "Very Secret Diaries" in Cassie Claire's live journal? Some of them are truly hilarious because of the massive amounts tongue-in-cheek-cheek pairings, and not just male-male ones either. My favourites are still Gandalf's and Sam's diaries.)

> Well, you know that it is impossible for a group to adventure together

> without them pairing off... Unless they are male.

(Regretfully snipping the rest.)

*standing ovations for the Mutant*

Thank you! I admit to being biased as well as rather unromantic, but this

tends to annoy me as well. If I'm starved for strong female characters in books and movies, I'm even more starved for strong single women.

I know my comments aren't worth much, but they come from the heart. Everytime I walk away from one of your chapters, I am in complete fascination:)

I especially liked this one because of the strong faith Anomen has. He found the right path when he took his mother's name and gave up his inheritance to the church. Thanks for such a truly moving story:) I'm sorry if I get a little carried away, but I really get into your character portrayals they are just super.

Kara